Policy brief Archives

Governance

How is gender addressed in the governance of the Kenyan health system?

The importance of taking account of gender in the attainment of good health outcomes is well documented. Engendering health systems governance would not only lead to better health outcomes for people of various genders but also potentially harness the power of the health system to act on gender inequity in society more broadly. Health systems […]

Cover of brief on gender and health systems governance in Kenya

Service access

How is gender addressed in Kenyan policies on access to health services?

To achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030, efforts will be needed to ensure marginalized groups are identified and reached, and that the barriers they face in accessing services are removed. Particular attention will need to be paid to understanding and addressing the complex gendered dimensions of marginalization and exclusion. The starting point for this is […]

Cover of the gender and access to services in Kenya brief

Cross-cutting

Community health policy in Kenya. How is gender addressed?

We need to strengthen community health systems to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030. Gender intersects with community health in several ways. For example, gender norms can delay men from accessing healthcare because of cultural norms surrounding masculinity. Gendered labour roles that mean men are usually working during hours when community health care is provided. […]

Front page of the community health in Kenya brief

Health workforce

Gender and Community Health Worker programmes in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Findings from Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia

This brief provides recommendations and guidance for practitioners and policy makers who have responsibility for CHW programmes. It suggests some ways that their workforce may be affected by gender norms and recommends what actions can betaken to address them.

Gender and CHWs in Liberia, Sierra Leone and the DRC

Health workforce

How gender influences the services of community health workers in Sierra Leone

The ways in which gender roles and relations shape heath experiences and access to services emerged as a key theme. Community Health Workers also used photovoice to demonstrate how they negotiate gendered and cultural norms within their communities to promote better health. This booklet explores how gender shapes livelihoods, risks, experiences of pregnancy and health seeking behaviour.

How gender influences the work of Community Health Workers in Sierra Leone

Financing, Service access

Gender and disability disadvantage women in terms of pro-poor health financing policies in Kenya. How can we improve the system?

To extend financing coverage to the poor and vulnerable, Kenya has implemented several pro-poor health policy reforms since 2013: 1) The introduction of a free maternity programme 2) The abolition of user fees in public primary healthcare facilities (dispensaries and health centers) 3) The introduction of a Health Insurance Subsidy Programme (HISP) for the poor. Health inequity has mainly been […]

Cross-cutting

Ten arguments for why gender should be a central focus for UHC

To make universal health coverage (UHC) truly universal we need an approach which places gender and power at the centre of our analysis. This means we need a discussion about who is included, how health is defined, what coverage entails and whether equity is ensured. Gender affects both vulnerability to illness and access to health care. Gender influences […]

Cross-cutting

mHealth and Gender: Making the Connection

The use of mHealth within health systems research is increasing, but few projects have taken into account the connections between gender and mHealth. In many societies women have lower literacy and less access to technology and other resources. Women are also not encouraged to be inquisitive about health. mHealth interventions can lead to increased domestic conflict […]

Cross-cutting

Galvanising Gender Analysis and Practice in Health Systems: Reflections from Research in Gender and Ethics: Building Stronger Health Systems

Gender analysis is an important component for health systems research. It reveals how power relations create inequalities in health system needs, experiences, and outcomes among women, men, and people of other genders. Incorporating gender analysis into existing programmes can be challenging. Researchers: Struggle to understanding the relevance of gender analysis Assume that a focus on women […]

Cover of galvanising gender analysis in health systems research

Health workforce

Promoting women’s leadership in the post-conflict health sector in Cambodia

Women account for the vast majority of the global health workforce, but they are under-represented in leadership positions. Gender inequity restricts entry into the health sector, career progression, access to professional education opportunities, and motivation. The effects of war Gender disparities in health leadership are also prevalent in post-conflict settings, where incentives to motivate health workers, particularly women, to continue working […]